Aug-26-2009 DCA Hosts Women's Equality Day Suffragist Walk

TRENTON - In commemoration of the 89th anniversary of Women's Equality Day and the 35th anniversary of the establishment of the New Jersey Division on Women, the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) today celebrated the rights of women with a Suffragist Walk event in Trenton. This ceremony, sponsored by DCA's Division on Women (DOW), paid homage to women suffragists and their parades by the marching of participants from the steps of the War Memorial to the steps of the State House.

The ceremony was highlighted by the reading of quotes and speeches of famous women suffragists in addition to the presentation of a special proclamation by Governor Jon S. Corzine recognizing August 26, 2009 as "Women's Equality Day."

"I am honored to celebrate the momentous anniversaries of Women's Equality Day and the New Jersey Division on Women," said Governor Corzine. "New Jersey's heritage and future is strengthened by women's voting rights, advocacy and leadership."

Following more than seventy years of civil rights protests, the United States Congress finally ratified the 19th Amendment in 1920 and granted women the right to vote. In 1971, a Joint Resolution of Congress established August 26th as Women's Equality Day in recognition of women winning the right to vote in the United States. In 1974, the DOW was established as a pioneering state agency for women's advocacy throughout New Jersey.

"I congratulate the Division on Women and their staff for 35 years of outstanding advocacy and service," said Acting DCA Commissioner Charles A. Richman. "New Jersey women and their families have been empowered through the Division's research, programs and services."

"Native New Jersey suffragist Alice Paul stated that she viewed the women's movement as a mosaic whose whole masterpiece would be achieved by the contributions of individuals," said DOW Director Janice L. Kovach. "DOW's dedicated staff develops, promotes, and expands the right of women throughout the state."